Fifth Grader Uses Art to Raise Funds to Help Her Community

Ten year old Madelyn McCarthy, decided she wanted to help those suffering as a result of the
recent pandemic. A student of local teachers Jin Chong, ArtSpace4U and Sharon Reed, South Avenue Arts, Madelyn chose to help those in need through her love of art and created Art for a Cause. Offering hand-drawn pictures to family and friends in exchange for a small donation, Madelyn hoped she would raise $100. Leveraging her mom's social media accounts extended
her reach and through the overwhelming generosity of nearly twenty individuals helped Madelyn reach nearly $800 in donations.

She selected three local nonprofits to benefit and sent donations to Atlantic Health - Overlook Foundation in recognition of ER nurse Erin Wasik, Penn Medicine - Princeton Health in recognition of Assistant Nursing Manager Alicia Sosinski and Heart for Humanity. Madelyn shared, "I chose these because Ms. Erin attends my church, All Saints' Episcopal in Scotch Plains, Ms. Alicia was my first sitter and we've hosted food drives to help Heart for Humanity's families."

"I love drawing and painting, and pretty much anything artistic. It's very cool that I was able to help so many groups and I'm really thankful to everyone who supported this fundraiser", said Madelyn.